The crew of NASA’s Artemis II is entering the final phase of their groundbreaking 10-day journey around the Moon, with just two days left before their scheduled splashdown off the coast of San Diego.
On day eight of the mission, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen are focusing on critical preparations for reentry.
A key task involves testing specialized compression garments designed to prevent Orthostatic intolerance a condition that can cause dizziness or fainting when returning to gravity after prolonged time in microgravity. These garments help maintain blood flow and stabilize blood pressure during the intense forces of reentry.
After completing the clothing tests, the crew will conduct a manual piloting demonstration of the Orion spacecraft, evaluating its navigation and control systems.
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On the final full day in space, astronauts will begin securing the cabin, stowing equipment, and reviewing reentry procedures to ensure a safe return.
Splashdown is scheduled for 5:07 p.m. PDT on Friday, April 10, in the Pacific Ocean approximately 50–80 miles off the San Diego coast. NASA will begin live coverage at 4:30 p.m. PDT.
Recovery operations will involve:
The USS John P. Murtha Helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 “Wildcards” U.S. Navy recovery and dive teams
Astronauts will be retrieved from the Orion capsule, receive medical evaluations aboard the USS John P. Murtha, and then be transported back to San Diego before heading to Johnson Space Center in Houston.
